A direct quote (or direct quotation) is when the author of a paper uses another person's exact words. In APA style, in-text citations for direct quotes must include page numbers.
If a direct quote is fewer than 40 words, then it is enclosed in quotation marks.
Example:
Svendsen (2013) says that "[i]t is important that your reader knows when you are borrowing someone else’s exact words” (p.1).
If a direct quote is 40 words or longer, then it is formatted as a block quote, indented from the left hand margin.
Example:
Svendsen (2013) says that:
It is important that your reader knows when you are borrowing someone else’s exact words. Otherwise, you may be accused of plagiarism, which is a form of theft. If you are found guilty of plagiarism, you will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include being expelled from the University. (p. 1)